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History made. The Troup 8U American All-Star team carved out their own slice of history a couple of weeks ago when they became the first team in the 8U classification to win a state title representing Troup County.

“This is the first 8U team to ever win state for Troup County and we are proud to be the first,” head coach Brandon Lowary said. “It is really hard to do with coach pitch, but this is a great group of players and coaches.”

Troup went a perfect 5-0 at the Dixie Youth Baseball tournament in Wrens at the end of June. Troup had a couple of comfortable wins including 15-0 and 13-5 victories in its first and third games of the tournament, respectively.

Troup had to dig deep in the other three games, winning 8-6 in game two and 5-2 in game three to punch their ticket to the championship. Troup was able to grind out an 11-8 win to cap off a magical weekend for the team.

“This team just keeps fighting and never gives in or gives up when something doesn’t go their way,” Lowary said. “We kept telling the guys that even when we are down, we are still in the game and to their credit they believed us. They just kept believing anything was possible.”

It will only get tougher from here. Troup will be playing in the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where teams from all over the southeast will compete. The competition will now be the best team from each respective state. 

“The competition is only going to get tougher from here,” Lowary said. “We (the coaches) have been telling them that as tough as the games we just played were, the games we are about to play are going to be even tougher. Every team that will be there will be the best in their state.”

There have been numerous talented 8U Troup All-Star teams over the years, but none have been able to claim the title of state champs. Lowary is not sure where this team succeeded where previous teams fell short, but he knows this Troup 8U team is special.

“Winning state at their age is a very hard thing to do,” Lowary said. “A lot of these kids have been playing with each other for years now. They know their roles. They know their jobs, so they can just go out there and play.”

There is fun to be had, but everybody is taking this seriously. As the kids begin to wrap their heads around the fact that they will be representing the entire state, the intensity levels are only beginning to ramp up.

“The kids are extremely excited, but we have them back working hard now,” Lowary said. “I’m sure they will be feeling a little antsy. Either way, it’s going to be fun. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be a fun experience for these kids that they can look back on for years.”

The team consists of players Collier Bushey, Mason Daniel. Micheal Dunn, Chase Favors, Cameron Garner, Jed Graham, Hugh Harris, Brody Lowary, Grant Major III, Christopher Norred, Korbin Lee Stephens and Zaylen Turner as well as coaches Brandon Harris, Craig Garner, Monta Dunn and Lowary.

The Troup American team is now known as Team Georgia. Team Georgia will be representing the peach state at the 8U Dixie Youth Baseball World Series from July 25-30. The team is currently raising funds by doing raffles and accepting donations. To find out how you can help or participate in the raffles go to the team’s Facebook page at Troup American All-Stars 8U 2024. Tickets for the raffle can also be purchased from members of the team or from Troup Farm and Yard.